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The Fourth of July is an all-American holiday – a day when communities across the country come together to wave the Red, White and Blue, and commemorate our nation's independence with parades, fireworks and good barbecue. Every Kansas family celebrates in their own special way, but we are all united in our cause for celebration: the many blessings we enjoy as Americans and the sacrifices made in the name of our freedom.

July is a special month for many Americans. Most of us will eagerly take a break from our busy summer schedules to once again celebrate Independence Day. There will be much fanfare with fireworks, parades, picnics, and other patriotic events celebrating our country's independence from Great Britain in 1776. But when the festivities have ended, only a few will have reflected upon the true meaning of independence and the role it has played in shaping our nation's character.

Here's the problem: Edward Snowden did a great service to American freedom by proving National Intelligence Director James Clapper and NSA Director General Keith Alexander perjured themselves before Congress when they lied about spying on millions of innocent Americans.

CINCINNATI - Homer Bailey threw his second no-hitter in 10 months and the first in the majors this season, pitching the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-0 victory over the slumping San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night.

The jury trial for Jeffrey Wade Chapman, originally scheduled for August, has been rescheduled for Jan. 27, 2014. Chapman, 31, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Damon Leslie Galyardt, who was killed Nov. 11, 2011.

STERLING - Victor A. Scott, 57, died June 30 at Via Christi-St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. Born October 28, 1955 in Hoxie, he was the son of LeRoy Winfield and Mary Mildred (Irwin) Scott. He was a former resident of Hill City, and was self employed.

Debbie D. Depperschmidt, 56, died July 1 at Great Bend Regional Hospital. Born Nov. 22, 1956 at Parkston, S.D., she was the daughter of Marvin and Geraldine (Bergeson) Dykstra. She came to Great Bend in 1981 from Mitchell, S.D. On Nov. 26, 1997, she married Mark Depperschmidt at Great Bend. She was a homemaker. She was a Girl Scout leader and a tumbling instructor at Euphoria Dance Centre.